rockyourlyricsMahmut Orhan’s fresh combination of soulful deep house, groovy indie dance, and worldly elements from his own cultural experiences has landed him solidly amongst today’s most promising dance music artists.
With the 2016 release of his hit track “Feel” (feat. Sena Sener), Orhan, amassing over 300 million combined streams on YouTube and Spotify; received top-20 honours in both iTunes’ Dance and Global in close to two dozen countries; reached the #1 track in iTunes’ Dance and Main Charts in 11 countries and 5 territories respectively; and rose to #25 Worldwide on Shazam —and that’s all for one song in his growing catalogue of inspired work.
Bursa-born Mahmut Orhan got his feet wet in the dance world by remixing tracks from the 80s and 90s. After steadily gaining momentum with releases on multiple labels, he is now approaching the forefront of the global house community. The aforementioned “Feel”, released by Ultra Records, is a strong display of his impending trajectory.
Let’s find out more from him, in the interview we did with the Turkish DJ.
How has your journey in the music industry been like up to now?
So far it has been a wild journey and I am really enjoying learning more about myself as a person and artist. I like to push myself hard in the studio to deliver music that my fans can connect with. This moment we’re in is a time where I am happy with my sound musically.
Is there a link, a common theme between all your songs? An instrument that you always use so listeners know it’s you?
I like to put the roots of my origin (Turkish) into my songs. I feel it gives them an identity which the listener can connect with. I hope this is something my fans can hear and feel a bond with.
Are you also involved in the writing process of the lyrics?
It varies from record to record but usually the singer brings their lyrics to the record and we can then build the record out that way.
Are you ever scared of revealing aspects of your personal experience, to strangers through your music?
No, I don’t see that as being an issue for me. My only wish is that it is all about the music because that is what I am focusing my attention.
What was the soundtrack to your childhood?
I wasn’t young but for me it has to be ‘Game of Thrones’ soundtrack, I love it and so much so that I also made a remix for it.
What was the first record you ever bought?
It was a Turkish track but I can’t remember the name of it.
What is your favorite song (not written by you) lyrically speaking?
I love Dua Lipa’s tracks these days.
What inspired Feel? And 6 Days? Save Me?
My love for life and pushing a sound I am a big fan of. Each songs means something to me which I feel at the time of working it in the studio. It’s about finding that magic in the music.
What is the best show you ever played?
I loved my experience of playing Parookaville in Germany. A great festival and a wild crowd. Hearing the crowd cheering my songs was something truly special and a moment I will remember forever!
What are your plans for the rest of 2018?
I am still promoting my new single ‘6 Days’, which has had some amazing response from the fans and record labels. To date the record has over 43 million views on YouTube and growing which is crazy! I am currently in working on a follow up single to this. I hope to announce that news very soon. I am also on the road a lot this summer with some amazing shows, so 2018 is going to be a very busy time for me in the coming months.
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